"Plain folks" is, simply, a propaganda technique and a logical fallacy where someone presents themselves as an ordinary person who can understand and empathize with the concerns of their audience.
It's a method of persuasion that aims to build trust and rapport by suggesting that the speaker is just like the listener, sharing similar values, experiences, and concerns. This perceived connection can make the speaker's message more relatable and believable, even if their actual background or motives are quite different.
How Plain Folks Works
The "plain folks" appeal works by creating a sense of shared identity and common ground. A speaker might:
- Use everyday language: Avoiding jargon or complex terminology.
- Share personal anecdotes: Relating stories about their own experiences or struggles.
- Emphasize humble origins: Highlighting their roots in a working-class or rural background.
- Express common values: Aligning themselves with widely held beliefs and principles.
- Dress or act like an "average" person: Projecting an image of simplicity and authenticity.
Why It's a Logical Fallacy
The "plain folks" appeal is considered a logical fallacy because it distracts from the actual merits of an argument. Whether someone is relatable or not doesn't necessarily make their claims true or their policies effective. It relies on emotion and perceived similarity rather than on evidence and sound reasoning. It's an appeal to emotion rather than logic.
Examples of Plain Folks
- A politician eating at a diner and talking about the struggles of working families.
- A CEO wearing casual clothes and talking about their humble beginnings.
- An advertisement featuring "real people" instead of actors.
Potential Issues with "Plain Folks"
While the "plain folks" technique can be effective, it's important to be aware of its potential drawbacks:
- Authenticity: The appeal can be manipulative if the speaker is not genuinely relatable.
- Oversimplification: Complex issues may be oversimplified to appeal to a broader audience.
- Distraction: The focus on relatability can distract from the actual arguments being made.
In conclusion, the "plain folks" appeal is a propaganda technique that attempts to persuade by portraying the speaker as an average person who shares the same values and concerns as the audience. While it can be effective in building trust, it's important to recognize it as a potential logical fallacy that can distract from the actual merits of an argument.
